Suspected car thief charged with murder in San Bernardino County deputy's death

Prosecutors in San Bernardino County are pursuing a murder charge against a serial car thief accused of leading deputies on a chase that ended in a crash that killed deputy Hector Cuevas Jr.

Ryan Dwayne Turner Jr., 22, faces charges of murder, evading a peace officer with wanton disregard for safety, and vehicle theft.

The pursuit took place in Victorville on Monday when, according to deputies, Turner Jr. refused to pull over when he was caught driving a vehicle that had been reported as stolen. The chase reached speeds over 100 miles per hour as Turner ran through red lights in his attempt to escape, authorities said.

Shortly before 11 a.m., Cuevas, 36, collided with another vehicle at the intersection of El Evado and Seneca roads. The impact split his service vehicle in half and took down nearby power lines.

He was pronounced dead at the scene.

A female in a small black sedan who was also involved in the collision was rushed to the hospital with unspecified injuries.

Court records show Turner’s criminal history involves several arrests and convictions for stealing cars. In 2024, he served time for stealing a vehicle in Rialto and leading police on a chase that reached speeds over 90 mph – and ended with a crash.

“This is not the first time that Mr. Turner has fled when he’s been caught with a stolen car. That certainly factors into our idea that this is a murder case,” said San Bernardino County District Attorney Jason Anderson at a news conference on Wednesday.

County sheriff Shannon Dicus also spoke at the news conference, sharing this message with his deputies and the public.

“As you move forward … this should be an affirmation that this county holds criminals accountable and the job that you do day in and day out makes a difference to all of our communities,” Dicus said.

Source link